Telegram Not Sending Code? What to Do

By ComparaSMS editorial team · Updated October 2026 · What changed

Telegram first tries to deliver the code to another active session of the account and only then by SMS. For a new number that's normally fine, but there are traps.

What to do

1. If the screen says "the code was sent to your Telegram app", the number is already registered. Cancel the order.
2. Tap "Didn't get the code?" → "Send via SMS" and wait 1–2 minutes.
3. If Telegram says "too many attempts", change the country, not just the number.
4. If it says "this phone number is banned", cancel and use another country.

Keep the account

Set a cloud password right away: Settings → Privacy → Two-Step Verification. More on 2FA.

Common Telegram messages and what they mean

• "We've sent the code to the Telegram app on your other device" — the number is already registered on Telegram.
• "Too many attempts, please try again later" — the limit is on your device or IP, not the number.
• "This phone number is banned" — Telegram has blocked the number; take another country.
• "Phone number invalid" — check the country code and remove any leading 0.

Which countries work best

Telegram's acceptance changes over time. Check the success stats in your provider's catalog and avoid the very cheapest countries for an account you want to keep. See virtual number for Telegram for current tips.